Four Local Hospitals Join in Historic Gift to TAMIU Nursing Program
The CEOs of Laredo’s four hospitals have announced a combined Gift to Texas A&M International University that will benefit the University’s Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. (photo)
The $93,000 commitment comes from Doctors Hospital of Laredo, Laredo Medical Center, Laredo Specialty Hospital and Providence Surgical and Medical Hospital. It will provide faculty salary support and help the Canseco School of Nursing to increase the number of nurses in the community, said School of Nursing director Dr. Susan Walker.
“We are delighted that Laredo’s medical community leaders share our vision and have joined us in an effort to expand the cadre of Bachelors and Masters degree-holding nurses,” Dr. Walker said.
TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck concurred, noting that the School continues to benefit from community and philanthropic support.
“The School has been much-blessed by widespread community support and philanthropic partnerships. We are excited about this historic partnership and look forward to continuing to accelerate the education of more nurses to serve our community,” Dr. Keck said.
Al Chapa, Doctors Hospital CEO, spoke on behalf of the gifting group of CEOs: Abraham Martinez (Laredo Medical Center), Elmo Lopez Jr. (Laredo Specialty Hospital) and Rene Lopez (Providence Surgical and Medical Hospital).
“We all share a profound commitment to this University and School and believe that this historic gift can do much to address this community’s need for nursing professionals by increasing the number of BSN graduates by 10-15 each year,” Chapa said, "Each of our diverse facilities is focused on providing the best in patient healthcare and it is in our shared interest to assist in increasing the number of nurses here."
In addition to a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a BSN completion degree for those holding a diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing, the School also offers a Master of Science in nursing degree program with a specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
In 1994, the Canseco School of Nursing grew from a commitment by the Laredo community to address the unmet health needs of the city and surrounding border area. The curriculum, designed for the special needs of a culturally diverse population, is based on theories of transcultural nursing and human caring.
The innovative, community-based curriculum combines mastery of acute clinical nursing competencies and community development strategies. Historically, the School has achieved exemplary first time pass rates on the nursing licensure examination, as well as high rates of program completion and employment of graduates within the South Texas region.
For additional information, contact Walker at 956.326.2574, visit offices located in Dr. F. M. Canseco Hall, room 315, e-mail swalker@tamiu.edu or click on www.tamiu.edu/cson
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu